Boris Johnson addressed the nation on Monday afternoon amid warnings over a “bumpy few months ahead” for the UK from health officials.

The Prime Minister was joined by chief medical officer Professor Chris Whitty and chief scientific adviser Sir Patrick Vallance for the Downing Street press conference.

It comes as it was confirmed that over-40s would receive a Covid booster jab, after results found that the third dose strengthened immunity and extended how long people were protected. 

It was also confirmed that 16 and 17-year-olds, who were previously offered only a single dose of the vaccine, will be offered a second jab. 

Here are the key moments you need to know from the press conference.

Boris Johnson issues update on Liverpool terrorist attack

Boris Johnson began the press conference by paying tribute to the emergency services who responded to what we now know was a terrorist attack in London on Sunday.

The Prime Minister said: “What yesterday showed above all is that the British people will never be cowed by terrorism, we will never give in to those who seek to divide us with senseless acts of violence.

“And our freedoms and our way of life will always prevail.”

He said emergency services responded with “such speed and professionalism”.

He added it is a stark reminder for all of us to remain vigilant and shows that the British people will never be cowed by terrorism.

He confirmed the terrorism threat level has increased to severe meaning an attack is “highly likely”.

Dorset Echo: Boris Johnson described the attack outside Liverpool Women’s Hospital as “sickening”. (PA)Boris Johnson described the attack outside Liverpool Women’s Hospital as “sickening”. (PA)

Covid 'storm clouds' sweeping across Europe

The Prime Minister spoke of various degress of new restrictions in countries across central Europe. 

Despite being unsure of how much of a threat this was to the UK, Mr Johnsons warned "we cannot afford to complacent".

He said cases have increased in the UK and urged everyone to get the vaccine to control the pandemic as he said countries with lower vaccination rates have seen a rise in cases.

Boris Johnson warns of 'utter tragedy'

As the vaccine booster rollout was made available to over 40s and second jabs were made available to 16 to 17-year-olds Mr Johnson urged people to take up the offer of a jab. 

The Prime Minister conceded that "it would be an utter tragedy" if people who were double jabbed caught Covid because they didn't get a booster.

The Prime Minister once again told people who have not been vaccinated that it is not too late. 

Professor Whitty ecourages pregnant women to get Covid vaccine

Professor Whitty urged pregnant women to get the vaccine against coronavirus highlighting figures that showed 1,681 of 1,714 pregnant women admitted to hospital were not vaccinated.

He said: "These are preventable admissions"

"So can I please encourage all women who are pregnant or wishing to become pregnant to get their vaccination and I would extend that also, incidentally, to flu, which is also very dangerous for women who are pregnant." 

Boris Johnson refuses to rule out Christmas lockdown

The Prime Minister refused to rule out the possibily of Covid lockdown restrictions returning this Christmas. 

He said there was currently nothing in the current data that suggests the government will need to move to Plan B, which would see lockdown restrictions return.

However he admitted "we cannot rule anything out" as he urged Brits to go out and get the jab.